Preferred Sources Feature by Google Enhances News Customisation in India

Preferred Sources has been introduced by Google for Search users in India, aimed at enabling individuals to easily access content from their preferred news outlets prominently in the Top Stories section. This feature is now rolling out, with full availability anticipated in the days ahead.

Customising News Experience with Preferred Sources

As highlighted in Google’s official blog, this update allows users to personalise their news experience by favouring content from reliable publications or niche websites, such as local newspapers or specialised blogs. Once users make their selections, articles from these chosen outlets will feature more prominently in Top Stories whenever they release relevant content. There will also be occasions where a dedicated “From your sources” section appears in search results.

User-Friendly Selection Process

Users can select numerous preferred sources and have the flexibility to modify their list at any moment. In early testing via the Labs programme, it was noted that a majority of participants followed four or more outlets. Existing participants in Labs will find that their previous selections are seamlessly transferred to the new feature.

How to Set Up Preferred Sources

Establishing Preferred Sources is straightforward and involves three steps: conducting a search for a news-related topic, clicking on the icon next to the Top Stories section to choose preferred outlets, and refreshing the results to showcase more from the selected sites. While these sources receive priority, content from other publishers will still be displayed to provide a well-rounded perspective.

Benefits for Readers and Publishers

This feature holds advantages for both readers and publishers. For users, it simplifies access to pertinent and trustworthy content without the need to sift through numerous pages. For publishers, it presents an opportunity to enhance visibility and engage with loyal audiences. Furthermore, Google has established a dedicated help centre for publishers, offering guidance on how to motivate readers to recognise their websites as preferred sources.

The Role of Personalisation in Online Search

This update signifies the ongoing trend of personalisation in the realm of online search and news distribution. By allowing users greater control over their viewing preferences, Google aims to render Search more relevant while ensuring a variety of perspectives is maintained.